Homeowners can skip phone calls and book snow removal through new app
By Brian Johnson
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — As winter weather moves into the Kansas City area, a new app is offering homeowners another option for snow removal, without making phone calls or negotiating one-on-one.
GreenPal, a service often described as “Uber for lawn care,” has expanded its platform to include snow removal in the Kansas City metro. The app connects homeowners with local contractors through a marketplace-style system.
“Stay inside. Let the pros handle it. It’s too cold,” said Gene Caballero, founder of GreenPal.
Caballero founded the company 14 years ago. He said the snow removal feature was recently added locally as demand grows during winter storms.
“It’s free for homeowners to sign up and get bids,” Caballero said.
Instead of calling multiple companies, homeowners can send one request through the app and receive several competing bids. Caballero said that competition can work in the homeowner’s favor.
“Also kind of creates a price advantage for the homeowner,” he said. “Maybe somebody is just starting out and like, ‘Hey, I really want this’ or ‘I really need this,’ and they are able to give pretty aggressive pricing.”
Caballero said about 45 companies are currently available for snow removal jobs in the Kansas City area. Each contractor must have a verified ID, along with customer reviews and ratings. Homeowners can also ask contractors for proof of insurance.
With heavy snowfall, Caballero said patience is important.
“Give the next business day, you know, especially when it’s a big snowstorm coming like this one is,” he said.
Homeowners can also pre-book snow removal services if they know they will need help ahead of time. Caballero emphasized that users stay in control throughout the process.
“The power is ultimately up to the homeowner and they can decide who they want to work with,” he said.
Payment is handled through the website or app after the job is completed. GreenPal keeps 5% of each contract.
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